So I haven’t written any features in a while, since quarantine began, but I’ve been missing work like crazy, and had this one stored, so perfect timing! Quarantine has kept us at home and for the most part, eating! However when we aren’t eating and being chef, teacher, and all around family organizer, we are exercising! Working out has been a tremendous part of life at home, whether it’s walking, taking my kids to play soccer, or doing my Tracy Anderson routine, I find myself in a constant state of athleisure. Who better than Robyn Berkley, the female founder and boss babe behind Live the Process, to outfit me so I feel beautiful in the clothing I wear every single day! It’s easy to stay unmotivated and just get lazy in such dark times, but her workout gear is sexy, and makes you want to look your best. Her fabrics are thick and substantial, so they last a long time, and whether it’s jumpsuits, bra and biker short sets, or a cozy sweatshirt and flare pants, she has the perfect color schemes and silhouettes that are flattering on any body. I live for her process and her brand! It my personal go-to!
Read moreHigher Dose - The Cure
It’s pretty clear that I suffer from major seasonal affect disorder, as I’m constantly escaping the city in winter for warmer, sunnier destinations! I’ve always had a hard time with gloomy days and cold temperatures, and some days it’s difficult to even get out of bed. I’ve found a solution to these negative feelings with Higher Dose, an infrared spa with private rooms for relaxation and lymphatic drainage massage to further detox the body. The sweat from the infrared sauna is similar to that of an intense workout, and gives the same feelings of detoxification and rush of endorphins which make you feel refreshed and recharged. I’m so addicted to infrared that I have the higher dose infrared blanket to use in my apartment, and if I could fit the actual sauna, I would have that too!
Read moreThe Well - Serenity in the City
As many of you know, I have a difficult time spending winters in cold, gray, dreary NYC. I travel a lot to find some time to refresh and refocus for my own mental stability. However, there’s a new game in town, and it’s a great escape without having to actually go anywhere! The Well opened up a month ago, and it reminds me of one of those small hidden doors one might find in Marrakech, and upon walking inside, you find a whole new world of reflexology, facial cupping, acupuncture, and zen that one could never imagine existed in Chelsea. They are fully stocked with wellness specialists, nutritionists, health coaches, fitness gurus, relaxation rooms and cozy work spaces. They offer the most delicious, healthy, soothing foods from the team behind Cafe Clover, to help their clients' wellness come full circle. It's a dream really, and membership is filling up quick, so I suggest getting a head start on signing up and treating yourself this 2020!
Read more2019 Holiday Gift Guide
If you’re looking for some help with your holiday shopping, I’m here to hook you up, and hopefully make this season slightly less stressful!
Read moreSloomoo Institute - I’ve Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day
I’m constantly looking for different ways to keep my girls entertained and engaged in NYC, since the winters here make it difficult to enjoy all of the outdoor activities. Yes, even in NYC, it’s possible to run out of ideas! My kids, and most-likely yours too, have become completely obsessed with slime. I’m not even sure what to compare it to in my day, because I don’t think Playdough was ever trending the way slime is. Between watching Youtube slime videos, the ever-fascinating slimers of Instagram, and playing with the DIY kits at home, slime has become life! This explains why when I first heard about The Sloomoo Institute, I jumped at the opportunity to take my girls, and then opted for a second visit for myself to really get a grasp on what the craze is all about. This museum of slime is one of those places that exceeds your expectations. Meeting female-founders, Karen and Sara, you can tell they’ve put their heart and soul into this project. These inspiring women have been through profound loss and hardship, but thankfully found the magical healing power of slime and wanted to share it with the world.
Sloomoo Institute is so full of light and color, it can make anyone smile. The custom scents throughout the space, are all nostalgic of happy times, and the feeling of simply stretching and pushing through the slime in your hands is therapeutic on a subconscious level. It’s like the longer you spend touching slime, the more meditative and stress-free you feel. In the space you can find everything from slime showers to a slime slingshot, and DIY slime (mine was “snow slime,” neon coral, with Christmas tree scent, and had sparkly bear charms) The girls were impressed! Sloomoo is officially open for business, and don’t be surprised if it starts popping up in cities near you, everywhere...slime is here to stay!
Read morePlaygarden Prep - First Steps
Although my days at pre-school are long gone, I’m excited to share that my dear friend Valeska has opened up her fabulous Montessori-based program on the Upper East Side! There are so many programs out there for children age 2-4, but hers is by far my favorite because of the solid foundations she provides her students. When my girls were younger, they both started out at Playgarden Prep and have such strength when it comes to independence, confidence, socialization, and character. I loved the program so much, I would have kept them in school with her for pre-K too if she’d offered it! My favorite aspect of this early learning center is the education it provides giving our little ones the tools to thrive in the next chapter of schooling. It’s a perfect feeder program for both progressive and more traditional elementary schools, and the Upper East Side is lucky to have them in the neighborhood.
Read moreBubbsi - Baby Safe and Kid Approved
There are plenty of kid’s products on the market and I’ve tried them all! Most brands claim to be “natural” or “organic” but if you study up on what the regulations are in this country, you will soon realize that although these companies market their products as safe, that is rarely the case. Anything with an artificial fragrance is a big red flag and completely unsafe, containing many carcinogens. I have recently been on the hunt for new and improved, kid-safe skincare and bath products, and was so happy to find Bubbsi, a female-founded business with an aim to keep our kids safe from toxins. I actually love using their lotion and oils as well, because I know it contains healthy coconut oils, and won’t have harmful effects. Their packaging is brilliant, as each product also doubles as great bath toys. My kids are totally obsessed, so I’m sold!
Read moreShou Sugi Ban House - Staycation Sanctuary
I’ve always felt the Hamptons was missing something. A place this naturally beautiful lends itself to a wellness center and retreat, but I’ve never known of one until now. The new, beautiful, serene Shou Sugi Ban House has opened its doors this summer, including chic, minimalist rooms to stay overnight or daily treatments for a relaxing, rejuvenating afternoon. They have a gourmet chef on board serving up healthy, seasonal farm-fresh cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner at their communal dining tables. The yoga room gets light from all angles, and has a beautiful fire pit outside where the sound baths take place. The spa has everything from Biologique Recherche facials and massages to plunge pools and salt water baths. The indoor/outdoor gym provides various workouts throughout the day, and the sound therapy and tea room are exceptional. I could go on and on, but the point is, make sure you remember self-care this Fall, and book a day for YOU!
Read moreNatur - Fresh Start
I’m all about trying to stay clean and healthy, particularly at home where I have the final edit. You would be shocked if you knew all of the toxins and chemicals that exist in products advertising just the opposite. Whether it be makeup, housecleaning liquids, shower products, pantry items and sunscreens, we need to conscious of what we are exposing ourselves to, and more importantly exposing our children to! I met with specialist, Ashley Perkins, founder of Natur, to discuss these secret toxic ingredients, and eliminate them from my daily use. Ashley has a wonderful service where she goes through your home, reading every label, and identifies the problem products, and then finds you better solutions to replace them with. She is efficient, and knows so many clean, natural products to choose from, and send links for each one, making the entire cleansing process a breeze! Here’s to new beginnings!
Read moreOpen Minded Organics Apothecary - The Magic of Natural Medicine
David Falkowski comes from a family who have farmed out east for generations. He grows his own mushrooms right here in Bridgehampton, and their healing properties are beyond belief. I had heard of him for many years, knowing other talented members of his family, but was always curious about his mushroom oils and hemp products. This year, David opened up his own OMO Apothecary in Sag Harbor selling all of his healing products and herbal supplements made from the mushrooms and hemp grown locally on his farm. I’d never truly believed in these natural remedies, but oddly a day after visiting the shop, my neck went out, and I was suffering in excruciating pain. I couldn’t move at all, and just the day before I’d been in perfect health. I had my OMO CBD oil and rubbed it on the areas where I felt stiffness and pain, as well as took droplets to dissolve under my tongue. Within 24 hours of using David’s products the pain had disappeared as of it were magic. Needless to say I’m now in love with these oils, and use them every night for aches and pains. There are so many incredible finds at OMO, I highly suggest going and stocking up.
Read moreJudith Desiree Skin Therapie - Glow From The Inside Out
For as long as I have been coming out east, I’ve been seeing Judith Desiree. She is a gem of a human being, and her talent when it comes to keeping skin heathy, tight, and hydrated, is unparalleled on the east-end. She recently opened up her new spa in Sag Harbor, creating a charming, serene environment for her treatments, where I typically dose off into deep sleep! Judy has become a dear friend. She has lived in the Hamptons for a lifetime, and is a great reliable source for me personally. Her techniques with Biologique Recherche are always innovative, and she always has the most updated equipment. In the summer time, when my skin is particularly dehydrated, she keeps me glowing, and I’m so grateful she is here. Book her ASAP as her schedule is already almost at capacity.
Read moreMama-of-the-Moment: Melissa Wood-Tepperberg
Describe yourself in 3 words...
Loving, passionate and loyal.
What is your daily workout regimen?
My workouts! I love to mix it up with either my 30-minute full body or an abs/arms targeted flow. I also live for my power booty series. I share all of my workouts on my website and offer a 5 Day Free Trial for all people that are new to me.
What are your favorite go-to healthy snacks for both you and your children?
Mustache Munchies (they're like an insane vegan goldfish) for myself and my son, and then for my daughter, the Baby Mum Mums.
Read moreBoaz Studio - Challenge Yourself
I love finding new great workouts to incorporate as a complement to my regular Tracy Anderson regimen. A close friend of mine, who has the best taste in just about everything, turned me onto a new private training studio on the Upper East Side called Boaz Studio. Boaz and his trainers customize the workout to suit your body’s needs, and really build strength and tone the body in a way that lasts long-term. I love the vibe when I walk into the studio, a beautiful townhouse just off of Madison Avenue, with the best old school rock and roll music. The sessions with Boaz go so fast, I hardly feel like I’m working out. He makes the strength training enjoyable, and has a great way about him, which is why his clients always return. I’m very excited to try out his new boxing studio which will open soon on the first floor, bringing a new element to the workout.
Read moreDr. Jake: The Dream Doctor, Concierge Service to the Rescue (Just in Time for Sick Season)
Dr. Jake has been a close friend of mine, and for years, we’ve discussed him launching a concierge practice, in NYC to cater to an entire family’s health needs, from pediatrics to adult care. Jake has been an ER Doctor for over a decade, so he has dealt with everything and anything you can possibly imagine, and loves his job. He is the doctor we all dream of, incredibly precise, brilliant, kind, thorough, with the most charming bedside manner. So, imagine that coupled with 24/7 individualized care for any wound, infection, virus, or unknown illness!
I’m constantly getting emails and calls from friends wanting a doctor who comes to their home, as busy moms are multitasking with work, and constantly on-the-go, therefore very susceptible to illness. Oakwood Concierge http://oakwoodconcierge.com is all about convenience. Using telemedicine, Dr. Jake makes it possible to triage, diagnose and treat without the traditional office-based practice. Additionally, he has at-home lab testing such as phlebotomy and prescription delivery services! For more serious conditions that require x-rays or surgical procedures, he also has his Manhattan offices available to his lucky roster of clients.
I’m not sure if any of you experience your husband’s or partners avoiding the doctor completely, like I do, but this service offers such a great solution to keeping them healthy, without having to leave the office or home. Dr. Jake is literally changing healthcare with a more progressive approach, one that truly meets the needs of the modern family.
Read moreThe Derm Duo - Laura Palmisano PA-C and Diana Palmisano PA-C
I’m always searching for new, innovative, non-invasive beauty secrets, and in my search I stumbled upon this cute twin dermatology duo! Laura Palmisano and Diana Palmisano, referred to as the Derm Duo, are practicing new procedures and techniques to keep our skin looking youthful and glowy, in their Midtown East practice at Schweiger Dermatology Group. Whether you are looking for the best cool sculpting machines, newest lasers or simply good Botox and fillers, this adorable sister act gets it done well! I’ve honestly always been interested in cool sculpting after seeing the results on friends, but have been scared to try something completely new. If/when that day comes, I will be heading over to the Palmisano twins.
Read moreWTHN - Old World Medicine
In this new era of health and wellness, I’m noticing more boutique wellness centers popping up in major cities. I’ve investigated to find the best new businesses jumping on this trend, and I previously gave you one of my favorites in the field, Stretch’d. Well, just down the street, there’s a new spot in town, appropriately named WTHN. Much like a beautiful spa, the atmosphere is soothing and zen, quiet and peaceful. They offer a menu of acupuncture treatments dependent on the issue at hand. They have Prevent, for immunity boosting and releasing tight muscles. Heal, is a treatment used for injuries, illnesses and sleep deprivation. Lastly, my favorite, The Glow, which enhances your skin, circulating the blood flow, and relaxing the face muscles. Pairing WTHN with Stretch’d will keep you going through the winter!
Read moreQuo - Scientific Fit Gear
As you all know I am sweating puddles over at Tracy Anderson on a daily basis, and sitting in that sweat for about 2 hours through classes. I always thought that cotton was the most breathable material to wear during my workouts, however I was sorely mistaken. After a long and informative interview with the very inspirational, Stacey Hunter, founder of Quo Active Gear, I learned that the undergarments I’d been wearing cause bacteria which lead to infection. Although it’s not the most glamorous topic, the truth is when we sit in our sweat for extended periods of time, women are prone to yeast infections and urinary tract infections, both incredibly painful and undesirable. Quo undergarments are made with science in mind, ensuring that even if we sweat for a long time, the underwear absorbs the wetness, decreasing the chance of bacteria forming. I wear them everyday, and I can attest to them being life-changing. Quo is also coming out with a full line of athleisure in the same amazing fabric very soon!
Read moreAida Bicaj - A Natural Facelift
All of you ask me about my skincare regimen, and now I’m sharing my secret weapon! Biologique Recherche skincare products have changed my life. I started using them exclusively a bit over a year ago, and I’ve had a natural glow ever since. There are many estheticians who do custom Biologique facials in New York, but none better than Aida Bicaj! Aida has been training with the company the longest, and her technique is proof of that. She takes her time molding my face, paying attention to exactly what it needs each time I come, always getting a different variation of the facial, as our skin requires different serums and masks depending on different circumstances and conditions. When Aida works on my face, I’m always amazed when she shows me the comparison of the side she has completed versus the incomplete half. It’s incredible how she lifts and tightens the face with her machines; it actually appears as if I had a surgical procedure. I swear by the daily regimen she has prescribed for me, as my skin has never looked better. She is a quality human, a true talent, and a dear friend.
Read moreFace Love - Use Your Hands
I go for facials regularly, and typically it’s Biologique Recherche. However, I am always open to finding new methods to further tone my face, and give me a healthy glow. It seemed like everywhere I went, people were talking about Face Love, and how this woman re-sculpts your face with just her hands. She was so popular, it was difficult to get an appointment, but I finally found her in the new space she took at Stretch’d. The vibe is incredibly zen and relaxing, and when Rachel Lang’s hands touch your face, you can feel the magic happen. She uses her hands and tools to circulate the blood in your skin and stimulate collagen. It was like facial exercise, and it worked! My face felt instantly lifted, and even my husband noticed and complimented my fresh, rosy skin.
Read moreSarah Pachelli - Eat Well, Be Well
I’m always looking for ways to eat healthier, and make nutrition convenient. It’s difficult as a working mom to constantly be cooking healthy meals during the week, and takeout is such an easy option in NYC. In an effort to have that fresh food in my house, I reached out to chef Sarah Pachelli, an all around wellness guru. Sarah is the perfect example of everything is moderation, and you can tell that she listens to her body, and takes care of herself. She comes to the house with already prepared meals that can get you through the week, always with the best, most nutritious ingredients, and also teaches you how to cook them for yourself. Sarah teaches destination yoga retreats as well, ensuring her clients are balanced from the inside, out!
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